What happened: Denver listed Johnson with a right ankle sprain, Strawther with a left knee sprain, and Jones for bilateral hamstring injury management on Friday's injury report.

Why it matters: The absences test Denver's perimeter rotation early in the regular season, leaving former EuroLeague Defender of the Year Alpha Diallo as a key depth option if cleared. Jones also missed Thursday's matchup against Oklahoma City while managing the hamstring issue.

What to watch: Diallo's final game status will be updated closer to Saturday's tipoff against New Orleans.